Official Christmas season kick-offs in Huntsville + beyond for 2025
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No pressure if you’ve not hauled out the tree just yet. Just attend one of these tree lightings in Huntsville and surrounding towns, and let someone else handle the lights (and lift). These kick-off events begin as early as Nov. 13, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them over the season and get inspired to set up your own.
American cities have celebrated the start of the holiday season with official Christmas tree lightings for over 100 years, making them a favorite annual tradition for generations of folks.
We’ve gathered up the info you need to know before you go.
Local Christmas Season Kick-Offs
Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail
Grab a tall thermos of hot cocoa, bundle up in something cozy and slide into your comfiest walking shoes for this one: There are over 400 live Christmas trees to see at Huntsville’s spectacular Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park.
Local businesses, nonprofits and families pull out the stops with creativity, and you’ll want to see them all. Shop with many local vendors for unique gifts while you are there. Enjoy a treat from a food vendor or pop in to enjoy a nice meal at your favorite downtown Huntsville restaurant afterward.
- Where: Big Spring International Park, 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- When: Friday, Nov. 28, 2-9PM
- Black Friday Market is from 2-9PM
- Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre at 3PM + more entertainment to follow
- Rocket City Tree lighting is at 6PM
- More Info: Website
Lights Up! Holiday Kick Off @ Bridge Street Town Centre Huntsville
Santa will join shoppers at Bridge Street Town Center in Huntsville to witness the massive tree spring to light and give a jolly nod to the start of the season.
The entire center sparkles in the glow of the annual holiday light show, and it’s always fun to see the window displays and decor inside the many shops and restaurants.
Of course, bring your gift shopping list—this is unquestionably one of the best places in town to make a dent in it. Look out for special event sales and giveaways, too.
- Where: Bridge Street Town Center, 365 The Brg St NW, Huntsville, AL 35806 (Near Cinemark)
- When: Friday, Nov. 14, 5-7PM
- More Info: Facebook
Polar Express Christmas on Main in Madison
Madison’s delightful holiday season events kick off on Friday, Dec. 5, with the lighting of the city’s official tree, the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail and visiting with Santa Claus.
Immediately after the lighting, you can enjoy the Main Street Wassail Trail on Main, Church and Martin streets. These are just a few of the fun events going on all weekend long.
💌 New for 2025: Debbie Overcash of the Madison Station Historic Preservation Committee says she can’t wait to see children’s reactions to the beautiful, oversized Letters to Santa mailbox, complete with steps for the littles and all handcrafted by fellow MSHPC member Ron Johnson.
Below are more weekend event details:
- Where: Downtown Madison, 100 Church Street, Madison, AL, 35758
- When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7
- Madison Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail + Santa Claus, Friday, Dec. 5, 5:30PM
- Madison Christmas Capers, Saturday, Dec. 6, 4PM
- Christmas Open House + Tour at the Roundhouse, Sunday, Dec. 7, 3-4:30PM
- Madison City Community Orchestra Christmas Concert at Madison Methodist Church
- More Info: Facebook
Merry Mile Christmas Open House in Decatur
Mix, mingle, shop and stroll to the sounds of Christmas caroling by Bank Street Players while admiring festive window displays at Downtown Decatur’s Christmas Open House on Thursday, Nov. 13.
After the tree lighting, wander up to The Art Loft on Second Avenue (next to Josie’s) before dinner and drinks at your choice among the many restaurants along Second Avenue and Bank Street.
Stop by the open house reception at Banksy, and bring toy donations to drop off at The Mallard, where you can also visit with Santa from 6-8 PM.
- Where: Downtown Decatur, Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
- When: Thursday, Nov. 13, 5-8PM | Tree lighting is at the ACA at 5:30PM
- More Info: Facebook
Downtown Athens Christmas Open House
While Christmas Open House in Athens presented by Dream Key officially begins on Friday, Nov. 21, the holiday cheer starts twinkling the night before with the lighting of the Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Athens’ Big Spring Memorial Park.
More Christmas Open House in Athens highlights:
🎄Merchant’s Alley Tree Lighting
⛸️ Skating on the Square
🎅 Photos with Santa
🛍️ Merry Market, shopping dozens of local vendors
- Where: Downtown Athens, 200 W Washington St, Athens, AL 35611
- When: Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 20-23
- Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail Lighting, Thursday, Nov. 20, 6PM
- Other Christmas Open House Activities, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 21-23
- More Info: Facebook
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